Urine Colour Measurement. Measuring of hydration level from athlete can be conducted by do some test to the athlete. Test to define hydration level of athlete from them urine color. The test called urine colour measurement. The objective of the test is to monitor the athlete’s level of hydration.
Required resources
To undertake this test you will require:
• Clip boards
• Recording sheets
• Pens
• Urine specimen containers
• ice bucket for storage
• Ice
• Colour rating chart
• Gloves.
How to conduct the test
The first part of the urine stream is discarded and then a small sample of urine is collected into a clear jar. Measurement may be done immediately, or the specimen can be stored for later analysis. The sample is usually collected first thing in the morning. It may also be of interest to collect samples prior to or post exercise, though there may be a time delay for the effect of dehydration to show in the urine colour.
Analysis
The sample should be held up in front of a white background, in good light, and the colour compared to the chart below. A urine colour rating of 1, 2 or 3 is considered to be well-hydrated (Armstrong, 2000). Based on these results, changes in fluid intake can be made.
Chart adapted from Armstrong 2000
Precautions:
• Certain medicines and vitamins may cause the colour of the urine to change. If any of these have been taken, this test is unreliable
• The colours your see on the screen, or when you print the image out, may appear different to the original chart. Therefore this chart should only be used as a guide. If more accurate comparison is required, please go to an original source.
Reference:
Brian Mackenzie, 2005. 101 Performance Evaluation Tests